Challenge to ban on corporal punishment

The head teacher of an independent Christian school has claimed
that the banning of corporal punishment is a fundamental breach of
religious freedom.

Phil Williamson, head teacher of the Christian Fellowship School in
Liverpool, took his case to the Court of Appeal this week after a
High Court ruling last year upheld the 1996 Education Act’s banning
of corporal punishment.

Williamson claims the ban prevents children in Christian schools
being taught about moral rights and wrongs.

Hugo Keith, for the Department for Education and Skills, said the
ban was not a breach of a parent’s right to religious belief.

The case was adjourned.